smoffatt

Responses from smoffatt

VAC 160iSE integrated with NOLA speakers
Do any of you happen to know what the combined (preamp/amp section) gain is for the 160i. Specs shows only the gain for MM at 37db and MC at 57db but not the amp itself. I am seriously considering replacing my ARC separates with a Sigma 160i but w... 
Distortion with ARC Ref 150 and Maggie 3.7
Can you borrow a digital source (CD player) and play the same recording to see if you can identify the same distortion as with your analog source. If no apparent distortion, the problem may be with your tonearm/cartridge alignment. Somewhat odd th... 
end of an era ......
"Ford, Ferrari, Porsche, Marantz are still in business. The founders are long gone." So is ARC.You need to play it smart like Bill Johnson has. Selling the company 2-3 years before passing away although it should not considered as a "one man opera... 
Revelation audio labs
Had ordered an umbilical cable to put between my Sota Cosmos and the PS. Waited nearly 8 months before the cable arrived. That was around 2007. Seems that nothing's changed with RAL since then. Has never ordered another cable from him and will nev... 
Audio Research Corporation ARC Reference 600
You should audition a REF75 in your system if you have an ARC dealer nearby. Then you will be able to make an informed purchase decision. Based on sonic merits alone, the REF75 is at the top of the ARC amp line (now and past). Just my 2 cents. 
Graham Elite
Bob.......AMEN.On the other hand, will there be an upgrade path for the Phantom II to III version or is it best to sell my II and purchase a III although i would prefer the upgrade path if there is one. Any idea on cost and turn around time for sa... 
Need Advice Sota Sapphire III + SME IV arm
I would take a Sota and SME over a Rega any day. If your TT has never been played since 1990 the suspension may have sagged and in need of a re-tuning. You should call Donna or Kirk at Sota and ask for advices. They will be more than happy to help... 
New KT150 tubes?
Is this an horizontal bi-amped configuration? What's sitting between the 250's?I would bet that those are indeed 150's.For room acoustics, they much favour diffusion than absorption in that room."Hopefully our government does not start embargoing ... 
New KT150 tubes?
If they have reliability and/or supply issues with their tef caps why don't they go with Vcaps. At their asking price, their entire Ref line should have Vcaps in them. Not those no brand name white caps that appear to have some reliability issues.... 
VTM200 or REF210
Here's a thread i had initiated a few years ago. I have not made the move to any of those 3 mono amps listed here although if i intended to replace my Classic 120's modded by GNSC in 2005, i would lean toward a pair of 210's or a REF 150. More tow... 
Is Benz Micro no longer in business?
.......and Ortofon A90 and Anna. 
New KT150 tubes?
If ARC starts using them in their Ref series amps i would likely want to have a listen to a REF75 with those inside before making a decision on a REF150 with KT120's. I would like to replace my aging Classic 120's although they were upgraded by GN... 
Stylus Rake Angle
Thanks Peterayer. I have a Mint LP for my Graham Phantom II. My cartridge is Ortofon A90.I would also re-visit VTF the second time around. I will find a good compromise/average for VTA/SRA and set it and forget it. I'm no longer using my Dino-Lite... 
Stylus Rake Angle
Thanks Lewn. You've confirmed my understanding of the adjustment sequence. Understood that once VTA/SRA have been adjusted, Overhang and VTF have been compromised and need to be re-visited. I do have a USB microscope (Dino) that i have been using ... 
Stylus Rake Angle
I have been reading this thread with interest. Lots of valuable information. Since VTA/SRA adjustment changes Overhang/Zenith and VTF and vice versa, what would be a typical cartridge/tonearm set-up proper sequence (1 to 6) if you start from scrat...